Influence of Area of Residence on Contraception Use of Different Socio-Economic Characteristics Women in Georgia

Abstract

Aim: The aim of our study was to determine area of residence (urban, rural) influence on overall contraception usage,
including modern and traditional contraceptive methods in different groups of women distinctive by socio-economic
characteristics: age, level of education, women material status, wealth tercile, number of living children and ethnicity.
Methodology: By secondary analysis of data of “Women Reproductive Health Survey 2010 in Georgia”, with alternative statistical approaches and recoded variables association of predictor variables area of residence with dependent variables: use of modern or traditional methods of contraception were examined in selected women (n=2234, who currently
used contraceptive methods) split into groups by age, level of education, ethnicity, wealth tercile, women material status
and number of living children. Descriptive statistics methods and multivariate logistic regression analysis were done.
Results: Modern contraceptive methods were used by 1436 (64.3%) women in urban areas and by 798 (35.7%) women
in rural areas. Women living in urban areas (n=1053) of 20-44 years, with higher level of education (p<0.01), lower
wealth terciles (p<0.05), with low material status (p<0.01), along with 1, 2, 3 living children (p<0.01), with Georgian
and Armenian ethnicity (p<0.001) compared to women living in rural areas (n=1181) were more likely to use modern
methods of contraception. With no differences regarding the lowest level of education, the highest economic condition, 4
and more children, Azeri and others and 15-19 years age between women living in urban and rural areas.
Conclusions: It is very important, that healthcare providers take into the consideration identified in our study socioeconomic factors, associated with low usage of modern contraception in rural areas and intensify informing and educated
this target groups. This will increase use of high effective contraception and reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and induced abortion